Monday, January 28, 2013

Annie is miserable. Grumpy, not sleeping, irritable, gnawing, drooling, upset, red cheeked, snotty and coughing. This time, I can assure you, it is her teeth. Her gums are white, bulging and sore. She was up several times last night, screaming. Poor thing. And she won't drink her bottles. So, I need some suggestions to alleviate her pain. We've been doping her up with Tylenol, which I am all for, but I'm hoping for some techniques to help her throughout the day. Thoughts?

Friday, January 25, 2013

This means that in one month's time I will be hosting a 1 year old birthday party. This blows my mind. I simply cannot believe it has been 11 months already. Annie is growing up *sniff*. Haha. What's there to report? She is on the move! She hasn't perfected crawling but she scoots backwards and twists and turns to where she wants to go. It's quite funny to watch. And when she can't get somewhere, she gives up, burying her face into the ground crying and kicking her feet! It's also quite funny... and annoying :) Teeth? The answer is NO. I can hardly believe it. She is toothless. I'm beginning to wonder if she even has teeth... for real. I can see the bottom ones and lately she has been both grumpy and drooly. Not to mention gnawing on anything hard in hopes to relieve her gum pain. However, I have been thinking she's been getting teeth since she was 5 months old, so honestly, I have no clue. I have visions of this toddler totally toothless, talking like an old man who's misplaced his dentures. But she has managed well without them. She's a beast, a savage, an eating machine. She eats anything we put in front of her, and then some. She does not discriminate. Veggies, meat, fruit, eggs, peanut butter, dairy, cheerios... you name it, she eats it. So, who needs them anyway? She is still a delightful little lady who most of the time is quite pleasant and fun! She still does not sleep through the night and I've stopped holding my breath. I just need to let go and understand that this will probably never happen. My days of glorious sleep are over. Small price to pay for a healthy, beautiful, irreplaceable daughter (or at least I tell myself that).

Monday, January 14, 2013

How was everyone's weekend? Mine was fantastic! Wonderful in fact. I had a relaxing Friday night which involved me, a good book and a bag of milk chocolate chocolate chips. And yes, I devoured the entire bag. It was delicious. *note: Becky, I may need to change our fast to ALL sweet treats*. Saturday was a perfect "me" day. I'm not sure what made Cam so generous, but he said that Saturday was my day. And I really needed that. And appreciated that. Sometimes, I swear he reads my mind. He's a good man. Anyway, I headed to the gym for an invigorating workout. Gosh, I love gyming. And I love starting my day that way. Then, after months of wanting to see this movie and never finding time, I went to see Silver Linings Playbook. And... it does not disappoint (for your viewing pleasure, I linked the trailer). It was such a powerful story... so moving, hilarious, sad, intriguing, lovely, original and beautiful. A few things I learned:
1. Bradley Cooper deserved his title has 2012's Sexiest Man Alive. He is. Extremely. And his portrayal of Pat, a broken-hearted man with mental health issues is so poignant and breathtaking.
2. I knew I loved Jennifer Lawrence (or J-La has Will Ferrel wittingly coined her) but I love her even more after watching this film. She is such a versatile actress which is both refreshing and welcomed. Her interpretation of a grieving widow is beautiful. And so much more than that.
3. They should date in real life. And make magical, acting machine babies. With eyes so magnificently blue.
4. This is such a unique and original screenplay. It is a story of love, of forgiveness, of friendship and of discovery. It is a must see event!

In the evening, my parents and sister-in-law came over to babysit our girlies while Cam and I headed out for dinner and a movie (I do not remember the last time I saw two movies in one weekend, let alone the SAME day). We had gift cards to The Keg, but after discovering it was an 80 minute wait (INSANE), we ditched that idea and went to Moxie's instead. We decided to see This is 40 as our movie of choice (trailer also included). And... it is HILARIOUS. All caps lock kinda hilarious. Anyone who is married must see this movie. And laugh out loud... in almost every scene. I love Paul Rudd... always have, ever since Clueless. And Leslie Mann is also hysterical. It is just so good. With such a warm fuzzy story too. Also is a must see event!

Sunday was a relaxing kind of day. Church, home, a snuggly nap with Isla on the couch and then we headed back to church for a family prayer night. It was a time to drop in and receive prayer from our pastoral staff. We have never done anything like this, but as we enter 2013, we knew it was a perfect time to do so. We wanted to start our year off right. It was a very uplifting and encouraging experience.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

I need a change. My hair has been the same for years. More or less. And I'm thinking I need a change. My hair looks and feels unhealthy, and I am just craving a new look.
I see girls with long hair and I swoon. I love it. LOVE it. The braids, the curls, the fish tails, the pony tails... I yearn for it all. But that will never be me. I don't have the patience to grow my hair out and I have recognized that in myself. And I love short hair. It is cute, sexy, fun and something I feel represents me quite well. BUT... do I cut it?

1. Anne Hathaway's adorable Pixie

This is SO cute. SO SO SO cute. But short. Very short. And I have curly hair. I do not want to look like a poodle.

2. Portia De Rossi's sexy hair

This is the best picture I could find... it's more of a bob but the way it is styled is amazing to me. Ballsy. Could I pull it off? That's what I don't know.

3. Strange woman's awesome shag

I also love this haircut. A little longer than Anne's and shorter than Portia's. But very nice. I call it "Long Short Hair". Is it enough of a change?

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Isla started gymnastics today at Dynamyx Gymnastics Club in St. Albert. She is in an un-parented class with 4 other kids. After her epic tantrum this morning, going to gymnastics was all she talked about it. "I'm so excited for gymnastics". "We going right now Mom?" "When is gymnastics?" She was extremely excited about it! When we arrived, she noticed some of the instructors playing with the classes prior. "I want the boy teacher Mom. I'm going to listen to him so good". Sheesh... wanting to be around boys already! After the cutest warm up ever (they stretched!), they were divided into their classes. And guess what? Isla was with the boy! His name is Colin and he is extremely good with the kids. On the way home, Isla said "Colin is my best boy ever", "I can't wait to see Colin again". So cute, right? Anyway, she was so precious to watch! She was the youngest (or at least I think so, she's been 3 for 2 days) and the smallest. She wanted to sit beside Colin for everything and was always the first person to try out what he had asked. Her favorite part? The balance beam. She totally loved it. I was so full of pride (and right now, I need those warm feelings for Isla). She was adorable and I think she will be very good at it! She learned to do somersaults and jumped into the pit of blocks. What a little gymnast! Watch out Team Canada... Olympics 2028!

Monday, January 7, 2013

Yesterday was Isla's 3rd birthday. Wow. It's hard to believe that she has been in our lives for 3 whole years. She is such a kind, loving, energetic, intelligent, sensitive and funny little girl. Also stubborn, bossy, determined, independent (with certain things), sleepless and a tad more grumpy than usual. But she's mine and she's incredible. I love her so insanely much and was honored to celebrate her little life all weekend long.

On Saturday, I decided to have a little get together at my fave location, Vi's for Pies. A Princess Party. I invited 3 dear friends and their daughters to join our celebration, complete with tiaras for all the girlies (only Wren and Kinley wore them). All the girlies dressed up in party dresses and it was just too cute! I ordered a peanut butter mousse pie in advance and we sang to Isla as she blew out her candles. We opened gifts, did crafts and chatted! The girls played with balloons and had fun too! I know Isla and I had a great time! I am so appreciative of all the love showered upon her. It warms my heart to know that Isla is loved by so many. This was a very fun way to celebrate her!

The birthday girl and I.

Becky and her daughter, Livi. (well, the back of her head).

Amy and her daugther, Wren.

Amber and her oldest daugher, Kinley.

Isla licking her candles!

Wren, Kyla, Isla, Kinley and Livi. Such adorable girls in their party dresses!

And princess Annie-Roo stopped by for a little visit too!

Yesterday, we had family over for cake, coffee and other little goodies! The whole clan made it out, apart from Uncle Brock and Auntie Sue who are soaking up the Florida sun (lucky duckies). Like I said already, it just makes me feel so loved to know how loved Isla is. It was evident in our families taking the time to come over and celebrate her and for showering her with gifts of love. I am just so thankful for my family and I couldn't raise my girlies without their constant love, support and encouragement. Thanks guys! I know Isla loves her Nana and Popi, Momo, Uncle Tis and Auntie Coe-Coe, Maddie and Kenzie, Uncle Casey and Hillaee (Hillary) and Uncle Ba Bock and Auntie Sue Sue so much. She felt very loved.

Birthday girl with her birthday breakfast (a pancake shaped into a 3) on her birthday chair.

A princess art set from Mom and Dad!

opening gifts!

Us.

Princess Cake

gearing up to blow out her candles!

All 4 Schellenberg girls.

The most flattering photo of Cam and Auntie Coe Coe.

All in all, a wonderful day! I know Isla felt super special from sun up to sun down and that's all a mom can ask for! Happy Birthday Babe!

ps - the name of this blog comes from a quote of Isla's as she picked her nose while looking in her new mirror!

Friday, January 4, 2013

This Christmas season was a wonderful one! It was filled with lots of joy, lots of love, lots of gifts and lots of delicious food! It was busy... and it really did take a lot out of the girlies. They are still recovering (Annie from a double ear infection and Isla from a chest cold) but we all survived the chaos and lack of sleep :)

Every year, on December 23rd, my parents and my brother & sis-in-law come over for pizza and games. I always look forward to this evening as it is one of the only times the 6 of us hang out, without the girlies (games start when they're in bed). This year was EXTRA special, as we received the best news ever! Brock and Sue came over with a small gift in hand for both my mom and dad and Cam and I. I opened my mug to read "Merry Christmas Uncle, Auntie, Annie and Isla!" Confused, I turned it over to see a picture of them both holding a pregnancy test! HOOORAYYYY! I will be getting a new niece or nephew in July and I couldn't be happier! So thrilling!

On Christmas Eve, we woke up early (to a grumpy Isla) and headed over to my parents place for breakfast and gift opening! Annie was so excited that she slept through the entire morning and Isla could hardly stand it and played on the iPad instead of opening her stocking and gifts (*note my sarcasm). We had a lovely morning and walked away with a bundle of gifts and feeling really loved! I always enjoy this time to celebrate with the people I love most in the whole wide world... my family!

Uncle Brock disguised as Santa and Isla.

iPad playing.

Annie trying on her new toque, post nap.

We then headed to Beulah for their Christmas Eve service before spending the afternoon and evening at Cam's mom's house. We enjoyed some delicious appies and once again, we're spoiled rotten! Isla played so amazingly with her cousins that she stayed up until 10:30 and was pleasant the entire time! They really are adorable together! Annie, once again, slept through most of the festivities. We played games, enjoyed one another's company and had lots of fun!

Kenzie Isla snuggles.

all 4 girlies.

twin jammies for the third consecutive year!

Annie assisting Auntie Coe-Coe with her gift!

Isla's feelings on Christmas morning.

After convincing her to open gifts, she reluctantly agreed. We had breakfast (not the special one we were hoping to have as Isla did not want to eat) and opening gifts kinda took all day. Isla first, then Annie when she woke up, then Cam and I in the afternoon when both girls miraculously napped! We spent most of the day at home, playing with our new toys and reading our new books! We went to my parents for a quick Christmas dinner and then had a low key night at home :) Much needed! Overall, a very Merry Christmas!

early morning gift opening.

sort of excited?

Annie, literally, eating up Piglet.

impromptu sister cuddles.

We also decided, awhile back, to take our ladies to Jasper for NYE. This is the first year in our entire marriage that Cam took a week off, so we wanted to make the best of it! We invited Momo (Cam's mom) along too! We had a beautiful room with a loft up top where Isla and Momo slept... she thought that was the coolest thing! We had a wonderful time!! Isla went skating for the first time, Annie went swimming for the first time, we swam, we shopped, we ate (LOTS), we had a delicious 3 course meal on NYE where the girlies behaved amazing during our 2 hour din din! And Cam and I got a date in too! It really was lots of fun... exhausting but good! We spent NYE in our room with a fire going, girls asleep and the three adults playing games... and eating. After our 3 course meal. Pure glutony. I was in bed by 10:45. All in all, a perfect way to spend a weekend! And to spend NYE.

after 5 tries, this is the best family pic we got!

Annie-Roo at Jasper Park Lodge playing in their "Kids Club" room!

Isla busy with a puzzle.

Daddy taking Annie for a spin!

my little skating princess!

warming up, fireside!

Momo and her girlies at NYE dinner.

my love and I.

Lofting it!

So, there you have it! "Another Christmas in the trenches". - Kevin McAllister, Home Alone 2

Today, I decided that I am not going to give up blogging. I actually miss it. So I was all ready to suck it up and pay the price for uploading photos just to learn that the camera cord required to upload photos to my computer is missing. Gone. Vanished. Into thin air. Truth be told though: I am the worst looker ever so I am hoping to find it soon and get some recent pics of the girlies up along with some updates :)
Stay tuned!